Media Statements - Regional small business to benefit from BAS Help Week

1/11/00

Minister for Small Business Hendy Cowan has welcomed BAS Help Week in Western Australia.

Between November 1 to 8, Australian Taxation Office (ATO) staff will be at 40 venues across WA to provide one-on-one consultations to assist people prepare their first quarterly Business Activity Statements (BAS).

“The spread of locations at which one-on-one guidance is available, at no charge, is especially welcome,” Mr Cowan said.

“This initiative recognises the needs of regional small businesses.”

The ATO staff will be at venues in the north at Port Hedland through to Kalgoorlie, Esperance and Margaret River in the south.

“This is great assistance and small businesses, particularly those in regional areas or those experiencing difficulty in completing their first quarterly report, need to make the most of the one-on-one consultations,” Mr Cowan said.

“Completing the BAS is a bottom line activity which affects cash flow.

“Small businesses need to make the most of services available to them to ensure accuracy and timeliness of BAS reporting.”

Before booking an appointment at any of the 40 venues across WA, people will need their pre-printed BAS form, completed cashbooks or computer print-out, plus any other relevant documents.

To register for an appointment call 1300 138 990 or register on-line at http://www.taxseminars.com.au

For other BAS or GST-related assistance, small business operators can contact the Small Business Development Corporation’s GST transition Centre on 1300 130 678 or visit the centre at 553 Hay Street Perth.

Media contacts: Tracy Taggart (SBDC) 9220-0222
Peter Jackson (Minister’s office) 9222-9595